food

You enter the building greeted by 25-cent gumball machines and a sign that reads “If you like our food, tell your friends. If you don’t, tell us.” The warm environment surrounding you is peppered with patrons chatting, sharing stories and laughs. You just stepped into Diamond S Diner, a small country diner in the heart of China right off of Highway 90. The building that is now the eatery, first built in 1985, is now owned by Sandra Sherman, a 50th wedding anniversary present to her from her late husband, J.E. Sherman.

They say when something is handmade, you can tell the difference. Well the saying is proved true at Honey B Ham in the West End of Beaumont. Honey B Ham’s approach to fresh, handmade dishes is the crux of its success, as well as its southern charm and focus on customer satisfaction.

In a world of Starbucks franchises and energy drink startups, there stands a coffee shop in Lumberton that is changing up the rulebook for coffee in Southeast Texas. That coffee shop is Hard Bean Coffee, a much-needed respite for the area and a great alternative to big chain coffee shops.

Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” No establishment proves this more than Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar.

The Japanese eatery in Beaumont, which first opened its doors on Dowlen Road in 1996, has proved in its more than 20 years of business that excellence takes time and commitment. Tokyo’s offering of delicious food and unique experiences to Southeast Texas has been a staple to the area, and for good reason.

Texas — the home of the cowboy boot, Bluebell Ice Cream and, of course, the best tacos in the United States. Case in point: Tito’s Tacos of Beaumont.

Tito’s Tacos was born from the family of Norman and Ashley Pitman, who took the expertise and recipes of Norman’s family and brought them to Southeast Texas, while also adding their own flair to the family recipes.

He walks into the restaurant with an unmatched swagger, greeting diners as he passes, speaking to each one individually. His hat (turned backwards) reads “Boss” in bold white letters. He checks in with the kitchen and wait staff, joking and helping where he can. This man is Joe Oates, owner of Boss Burger in Nederland.

A 27-year-old federal prison inmate has been indicted for escaping from prison and returning with contraband including home-cooked food, tobacco, booze and drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson Feb. 8.

Joshua Randall Hansen was charged in the two-count indictment with escape from a federal facility and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on Feb. 7, 2018.

Foodies from around the area showed up for the “Food Trucks Invade” event at the Logon Cafe on Nov. 11. Dat Mac, Blue Dave’s Barbecue and Pops and Rockets ice pops sold a variety of delicious dinners and desserts. Mucho Bueno served some Tex-Mex favorites like the carne asada fries and spicy shrimp taco pictured. The carne asada fries with an ample amount of carne asada, lots of cheese, sour cream, guacamole and salsa were out of this world and well worth the 15-minute wait. It paired great with the Ballast Point Commodore.

For Kevin Smith, bringing back Monceaux’s to Mid-County means more than just bringing back a popular restaurant dating back decades. He’s also keeping his mother’s memory alive, and her treasured recipes.

The late Helen McKinney was the cook at the original Monceaux’s in Port Arthur and brought her recipes with her when she began working there.

Every home in Rose City except two sustained damage during the catastrophic flooding that Hurricane Harvey brought to Southeast Texas, and, while other cities begin the rebuilding process, the small town is still literally trying to pick up the pieces and sift through the rubble they once called home.

Mayor Bonnie Stephenson said her city and its residents are in dire need of assistance.

“The city was devastated,” Stephenson said, “but, we’re coming back. These people have lost everything, and they need help.”

While we harbor no disrespect for the Wall Street Journal who called us “that scrappy little paper from Southeast Texas,” we prefer to think of ourselves as simple seekers of the truth. We’re of the opinion that headlines and sound bites never tell the whole story. Our readers demand all the facts, facets and flavors of every story or event. And, they expect to be informed, educated and stirred to action.